Patrice Evra Reveals Captaincy Offer Before Manchester United Exit

Louis van Gaal offered Patrice Evra the Manchester United captaincy before the fullback's departure to Juventus this summer, the French international claims.

Evra has signed a two-year deal with the Serie A champions after eight-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, following the signing of Luke Shaw from Southampton.

But the 33-year-old says that in an attempt to keep him at United, Van Gaal offered him the armband on a permanent basis for the new season.

"Manchester United wanted to keep me and they also wanted to give me the captain's band," Evra told Sky Sports.

"Van Gaal was disappointed to see me go away, but I had already made a choice.

"It was really difficult to leave Man United, but I did it. I made my choice and I am really happy with my choice."

Following the departure of Evra along with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, Van Gaal is faced with selecting a new captain for the coming season.

Darren Fletcher has captained United in both of their pre-season wins, over LA Galaxy and Inter Milan, but the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have been tipped to take the armband on a long-term basis.

Upon being unveiled as United manager in July, Van Gaal said his entire squad was in the running to become the new captain but that he would take time to make what he labelled a "very important" decision.

"All the players are possible candidates," he said. "I have to get to know them so I will use four, five or six weeks. Or it could be two months.

"For me, the captain's role is very important. Therefore, I need time. Sometimes I haven't had the time - then I have to make quick decisions. But quick decisions are not always good. I'll use my time for it. I think a captain is very important."